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Step 1: Check if you are qualified to apply

Time lived in Canada – you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1095 days within the past 5 years. Use the Physical Presence Calculator to check.

Trips abroad –record your trips abroad prior to your application. Note the country, the inclusive dates and the reason for travel. You will be required to enclose the results of using the Physical Presence Calculator in your application. You will also need to get a police certificate for each country outside of Canada where you spent 183 days (around 6 months) or more.

If you were a temporary resident or protected person, some of your time spent in Canada before you were a PR may be counted. “Each day spent physically in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident within the last 5 years will count as one half day, with a maximum of 365 days, towards your physical presence.”

These requirements don’t apply to children under 18 where a parent or guardian has applied on their behalf for citizenship using the subsection 5(2) application form.

Income Tax Filing – you must have filed your Income Tax returns in the three tax years within the five years before the date of application.

Language abilities – you must show that you can speak and listen in English or French. Applicants 18-54 years old must submit proof that they are Level 4 or higher in speaking and listening abilities in (Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC). You may submit:

Results of third-party language tests such as CELPIP-General or IELTS-General. See a complete list of acceptable language tests here: Third-party language tests.

Completion of a Secondary or Post-Secondary Program in English or French in Canada or abroad. You can send your diploma, transcript, or certificate. The proof must be written in English or in French. If it is in another language, you must also send a certified English or French translation. It should show that the program was in English or French, and not just a single course.

Prohibitions – you may not be eligible to apply if you have committed offences in or outside Canada. If you have been charged, on trial, or convicted for an offence or serving a sentence in prison, you may not be qualified to apply for citizenship for a period of time. Go to: prohibitions to see a complete list of situations that may prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Download the Document Checklist to make it easier for you to track what documents you need. Review the checklist before you send your application to make sure it is complete. You will also need to include the completed Document Checklist in your application. Your application should include:

Tips for filling out IRCC application forms

Photocopies of all valid and expired passports or travel documents in the past five years. Make sure that they are complete and that there are no gaps in time between the travel documents. IRCC will ask for an explanation if there are gaps.

If you didn’t have a passport in the past 5 years, send photocopies of 2 pieces of government issued identification with your name, date of birth, and photograph

If you had a passport in the past 5 years, send a photocopy of one piece of government issued identification with your name, date of birth, and photograph

Your proof of English or French language ability. If you are unable to demonstrate your language ability due to a medical condition, submit supporting evidence. Photocopy one of the following:

Audiogram and an attestation issued by a Canadian audiologist if you are hearing impaired

Evidence from a medical practitioner in Canada if you have a disorder, disability or condition that is cognitive, psychiatric or physiological in nature.

More than one application? If you are applying for more than one person (you and your wife, for example), put all the application forms and requirements in the same envelope. This could save time. If you send your applications separately, IRCC will process them one at a time.

Step 3: Pay the fee

You have to do this online. You will need a credit card and an email address. IRCC will send your receipt via email. Print the receipt and include it in your application.

Application processing can take several months. You can check current Processing times on the site. You can also check the e-client service: Check application status – On-Line Services. You will need to supply personal information like your UCI or Unique Client Identifier. For your security, don’t forget to logout after a session.

Step 6: Go to the test

IRCC will send you a notice of the date and place of your exam. The notice will also tell you what you need to bring. The Citizenship Test is a multiple choice test made up of 20 questions. The questions are based on Discover Canada – The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. You must at answer at least 15 questions correctly to pass the test. You will be given 30 minutes to complete it.

If you cannot make it to your schedule, inform IRCC right away. Failure to do so may close or delay your application. Send a letter of explanation or use the Web Form. Check this page for more information about rescheduling.

Step 7: Wait for the decision

After the test, you will be informed if you passed or failed. The immigration officer will also conduct a short interview to check your language proficiency and verify your documents. If you passed the test, IRCC will send you an invitation to the citizenship ceremony by mail. This is the ceremony where you will take the Oath of citizenship. Currently, you need to wait four to six months (after the test) for the ceremony to be held.

If you did not pass the test, you can take it again in three to four weeks. IRCC will send you a letter containing the date, time and place. If you don’t pass the second test, you will be called in to attend an interview with a citizenship officer. The interview lasts about 30-90 minutes. It will test your knowledge about Canada and your language proficiency.

Step 8: Go to the ceremony and take the oath

Adults and children ages 14 or over must attend the citizenship ceremony (children below 14 are welcome to attend). You will recite the Oath of Citizenship before a judge or presiding official. After the ceremony, you will receive a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.

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